Welcome to "Igniting the Shift Within" on Firefighter Nation
Igniting the Shift Within
Igniting the Shift Within
Join host Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) on "Igniting the Shift Within," your backstage pass to all things innovative and transformative in the…
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Igniting the Shift Within

Igniting the Shift Within

Join host Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) on "Igniting the Shift Within," your backstage pass to all things innovative and transformative in the world of firefighting. We’re your launchpad to revolutionize the way you think, work, and lead. Sometimes traditional ways clash with the need for change. That's where we come in, slicing through the noise with insights that matter.

So, whether you’re chilling at the firehouse or cruising down the freeway on your daily commute, plug in and get ready to ignite the shift within.

Recent Episodes

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Shrinks Unwrapped with Guest Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT
Feb. 13, 2025

Shrinks Unwrapped with Guest Bonnie Rumilly, LCSW, EMT

EMDR trauma therapist Bonnie Rumilly pulls back the curtain on the often-misunderstood world of therapysharing her personal insights on EMDR and different therapeutic approaches, breaking down barriers to mental health support.
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Adapting Leadership Across Generations with Guest Chief Dan Kramer
Jan. 16, 2025

Adapting Leadership Across Generations with Guest Chief Dan Kramer

David is joined by former fire chief Dan Kramer, Owner and Principal Consultant at First Due Leadership Consulting, to discuss bridging generational gaps in the fire service.
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Brain Optimization for High Performance with Guest Dr. Pamela Seraphine
Dec. 19, 2024

Brain Optimization for High Performance with Guest Dr. Pamela Seraphine

In this episode of "Igniting the Shift Within," David sits down with Dr. Pamela Seraphine, a renowned neuroscientist and author, to discuss brain optimization for firefighters.
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Stress to Strength: The Power of Retreats with Guest Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski
Nov. 21, 2024

Stress to Strength: The Power of Retreats with Guest Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski discusses the essential practice of resetting and recalibrating for firefighters. She highlights the risk of losing compassion and judgment without periodic self-care, which can lead to numbness or reckless behavior. Tracy's First Responder Project runs restor…
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Forging Your Team with Guest Johnny Torgeson
Oct. 24, 2024

Forging Your Team with Guest Johnny Torgeson

On our inaugural episode, our guest is Chief Officer Johnny Torgeson (aka Dr. JT). We will explore the topic of team building: How can it transform your department? Dr. JT will break down the steps involved in the forging process necessary for meaningful change to occur. Later in the show, we will …
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About the Host

Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) Profile Photo

Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.)

Producer | Host

David Dachinger is a retired Fire Lieutenant and EMT with over 21 years of leadership in emergency services. As a fire officer, he excelled in roles such as Shift Commander and Incident Commander, while also contributing to department policy, fire/rescue training, and wellness initiatives. Beyond his firefighting career, David is also the producer and host of the Responder Resilience Podcast and serves as a 22Zero peer coach, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of first responders.

A two-time Grammy Award® nominee, David's career in the music industry saw him collaborate with legendary artists like Roberta Flack, Usher, Celine Dion, and The Isley Brothers as a mixing engineer and producer.

David's journey as a stage IV cancer survivor since 2014 has fueled his passion for advocating firefighter wellness. His transformative experience with cancer led him to become a two-time international bestselling author, featured in "Cancer: From Tears to Triumph," and the co-author of the bestselling book "Live Calm With Cancer (...and Beyond)."